Dr Sakiusa Baleivanualala and his family pictured in Fiji, where Sakiusa says he hopes to inspire the next generation.
Dr Sakiusa Baleivanualala’s appointment as Associate Dean Pacific for the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences reflects a journey grounded in service, cultural values, and a deep commitment to Pacific excellence.
His story begins in Fiji, where early experiences witnessing the realities of disease and health inequity shaped his academic path and leadership purpose.
“Early in my career in Fiji I witnessed the real impact of disease in Pacific communities, where families lost loved ones and health care workers did their best within limited systems and resources.
“Those experiences gave me purpose and direction,” Sakiusa says.
Dr Sakiusa Baleivanualala
Those experiences also drew him to biomedical sciences - an area where curiosity, discovery, and service intersect. He was motivated by the potential to understand disease at its most intricate level and translate that knowledge into solutions that benefit communities.
Through microbiology and genomic epidemiology, his work continues to focus on strengthening Pacific science capability and improving health outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand and the region.
“Biomedical sciences offer the tools to understand life at its most intricate level and to translate that knowledge into practical solutions for communities.”
Completing his PhD at the University of Otago last year 2025 marked a significant milestone in Sakiusa’s journey. While academically demanding, it was also deeply personal and collective, shaped by mentorship, collaboration, and the support of family and community.
“Completing my PhD was both a personal and collective journey that taught me resilience, humility, and the power of relationships.”
At the heart of his leadership approach are the values he was raised with – veilomani (love and compassion) and veiwekani (the strength of relationships). These principles shape how he teaches, researches, and leads, reminding him that leadership is rooted in service rather than position.
“Leadership is not about position, promotion, or achievement, but about relationships and service, and walking alongside others.”
Taking on the Associate Dean Pacific role is both an honour and a responsibility Sakiusa carries with deep purpose.
“Personally, it is an honour to represent our communities and to give back to a system that once nurtured me. Professionally, it is an opportunity to lead with purpose, guided by the principles of partnership, participation, and success.”
Sakiusa is acutely aware of the challenges Pacific students and staff continue to face, including under-representation, limited visibility, and balancing cultural and family responsibilities alongside academic expectations.
Yet, he sees significant opportunity in a growing Pacific talent pipeline and increasing institutional commitment.
In his Associate Dean role, his focus is on pathways, people, and partnerships - strengthening mentoring and supervision, creating clearer academic and research pathways, embedding Pacific perspectives across teaching and research, and building shared cultural capability across the division.
“This role aligns deeply with my purpose to serve, to strengthen Pacific leadership, and to ensure that Pacific voices and values are reflected across the Faculty of Biomedical Sciences.”
Beyond strategy and structure, Sakiusa’s message to Pacific students aspiring to biomedical sciences is both empowering and hopeful.
“Your voice, knowledge, and perspective matter. There is space for you in biomedical science and academia.”
As he steps into this new chapter, Sakiusa remains focused on collective success - helping shape a future where Pacific excellence is visible, valued, and sustained at the University of Otago.
-Talanoa by Viena Faiva, Pacific Communications Adviser
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